On knowing

When we moved here to the desert almost nine years ago, we were admittedly underwhelmed. After having driven through Phoenix from California we had lofty expectations. Phoenix, with its impressive shopping centers and upscale restaurants, left us hoping for more of the same down the dusty road in Tucson but those expectations went mostly unfulfilled. While we truly love our home, the setting leaves a bit to be desired. At least for us. So when Jeff’s employer announced that his position was being relocated to Alabama, we allowed ourselves to what if. We dreamed up scenarios and looked at houses and plotted an escape–or an exit, at least–from this dusty desert town.

Those what ifs came tumbling down last week, when at long last we were given some details about the move. It’s not for us. We’re staying put.

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to some feelings of disappointment. Disappointment over adventures lost and opportunities that won’t come to pass. But lying all the same if I didn’t admit to feelings of relief. Relief in at least knowing. Relief in the comfort of a place we’ve come to know as home.

This much I know to be true: God has a plan for us. In His providence, He places us in the very cities where He intends for us to be. It’s true!

“From one man he made every nation of the human race to inhabit the entire earth, determining their set times and the fixed limits of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope around for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” –Acts 12:26-27 NET

Yes, we wanted to move away from the tarantulas and the snakes and the dust of this desert city. But moreover, we want to obey. Clearly there is a reason why we’re still here. And though I don’t know the reason, I’m inclined to make the best of it. To find the silver lining.

It snowed over the weekend. We woke up Saturday morning to a yard thick with snow. It accumulated on the cacti. How’s that for irony? It wasn’t forecasted, but then again, miracles never are.